Rassmusen College Cognitive Bias Essay
I’m working on a Social Science question and need guidance to help me study.
Today, you explored the idea that our minds try to save energy and simplify the world around us, resulting in flawed thinking patterns – even when our thoughts feel fully rational.
Author Buster Benson’s three conundrums (too much information, too little meaning, limited time) are an easy way to remember how these biases function.
For today’s discussion, find and explore a single cognitive effect in greater depth using the list that Buster Benson put together.
First, review what has already been picked, then choose an effect from this list that hasn’t been posted yet: Buster Benson’s List of Cognitive Biases
Then, read the Wikipedia entry linked on that spreadsheet before responding to the prompts below and sharing the effect with your classmates.
For this discussion board, do not make generalizations or comments about people or groups, such as “all people who like pineapple on their pizza must be having this bias…”
Speak only to your internal experience with your own thoughts.
- What is the name of the bias or effect you picked?
- In a sentence or two, explain the definition of this bias or effect.
- Which of the three “conundrums” does this bias try to solve?
- Which of the twelve “shortcuts” best fit with this bias?
- Can you think of a time you caught yourself making this error in thinking?
- Generally speaking, what types of problems might this bias cause in real life?
- How can we recognize this bias when we experience it?
